SNAP benefits open house coming Zion

Are you in need of food assistance? Not sure if you qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits?

Northern Illinois Food Bank will have representatives available from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 at Lake County CAP Changing Lives Upscale Resale Shop, 2700 Sheridan Rd. in Zion, to help members of the community fill out a confidential SNAP (food stamp) application and answer any questions about the benefit program.

Avoid long lines at the public aid office by submitting your application online with one-on-one assistance. All services are free and confidential and open to any documented resident of Illinois. Please allow 30-60 minutes per full application.

To help complete the process, please bring the following items for EVERYONE in the household:

• Identification & Immigration Status - Driver's License, State ID, Alien Registration, Social Security Card, Passport or Birth Certificate

• Job Income - Pay stubs or tax forms from past month, if available

• Other Income - Checking/Savings Statements, Child Support, Unemployment, SSI, Veterans Benefits, Pension, Retirement

• Residency - Rental or mortgage agreement with your address, Utility Bill

• Seniors 60+, Blind, and/or Disabled Only - Know the total amount of your out-of-pocket medical expenses, including copays/premiums, medications, doctor visits, etc.

Food Bank representatives will also have information about the nearest food pantries and feeding programs. No appointments are needed. For more information contact Shawnette Miles, SNAP Outreach Coordinator at Northern Illinois Food Bank, at smiles@northernilfoodbank.org or at 630-398-1811.

More than 71,000 people each week seek food assistance through Northern Illinois Food Bank's network of 800 food pantries and feeding programs across 13 counties. To learn more, log onto www.SolveHungerToday.org.